Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has appealed to Elon Musk to intervene in the shutdown of Starlink internet services in Uganda, just days before the country’s general election on January 15. In a statement on social media, Wine accused the Ugandan government of using the disruption to stifle communication and undermine democratic participation. He claimed that the government has a history of suppressing free expression and persecuting the opposition, and that the internet disruption further disadvantages government critics during a critical political moment.
Starlink had stated that the suspension of its services in Uganda was a response to regulatory action by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). The company said it implemented a service restriction tool on January 1, disabling all Starlink terminals operating in Uganda, following a directive from the regulator over the illegal provision of telecommunication services in the country. Starlink maintained that any usage of its services in Uganda prior to January 1 was unauthorized and in violation of its terms of service.
The company added that individuals using Starlink in Uganda had purchased and activated terminals in countries where the service is authorized, before illegally importing them into Uganda. Starlink is cooperating with Ugandan authorities and is in the process of completing its licensing requirements, expressing hope for future operations once regulatory approval is granted.
The internet disruption has become a significant issue in Uganda’s pre-election environment, with opposition figures warning that restrictions on communication risk undermining transparency and public participation during the electoral process. The Ugandan government has been accused of suppressing free expression and persecuting the opposition in the past, and the shutdown of Starlink services has raised concerns about the government’s intentions.
The Ugandan general election is scheduled to take place on January 15, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his 40-year rule. The opposition has been vocal about the need for free and fair elections, and the internet disruption has added to concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic principles. The situation is being closely watched by international observers, who are calling for the restoration of internet services to ensure a transparent and participatory electoral process.
